I currently own a Yamaha Raptor but I am selling it due to some reliability issues. I am considering getting a DS but am not sure. It's kind of like going over to the dark side of the force if you are a Yamaha owner. But after the way Yamaha has treated me recently I don't know if I'll ever be back. Either a DS or 400 EX is in my very near future. Just wanted to see what you DS owners out there have to say. Have you had any reliability or maintenance issues?

 

No issues for me! Great machine! once you get them dialed in! ( jetted/piped ) Tough as nails! Go for it!

 

I would have to agree with bf. The DS(I have the baja edition) is a great machine.

If you have never ridden one, I would give it a try. It is so much nicer than the raptor, which is my wifes now (see sig).

If you like riding tight tree lined trails or are on the smaller side the 400 may fit you better, but I have heard and seen a lot of small guys on the Ds too.

I don't like the 400, because of its lack of power. Otherwise it is a nice bike. It just does not pull like the DS or raptor. I know that you can do a 440 or 465 and they will have the power, but you can also do a 703, 760 or 830 kit to the ds.

Bat

 

Hey UT660R as you know by now i have a pumped ds an so i bought a 400ex to dune with so i i could have a smoth mellow ride Buuuttttt
it sets in camp waiting for one of our other rides to break and next year im going to pump it for my daughter.what im saying is after your rappy you will feel let down with power because in spite of her other problems the rappys is fast!! and powerfull!!


AND REMEMBER THIS WE DON'T CARE WHAT MISTAKES YOUVE MADE IN LIFE WE WILL WELCOME YOU TO THE FAMILY [LOL]

 

Here's the dark truth...A bunch of us have had fans go out, about $70.
My chain roller is still fine, but a bunch of them have failed, some have replaced the stocker with a rollerblade wheel and there are other fixes as well.
I think the "darty" steering is a fair criticism, and bigger front tires, or even better, TimmyBoy upper A-arms is a great fix. The front shocks are as bad as the Raptors, and should be replaced by better, at least a pair of Works steelers. The combination is orgasmic. (23" front tires, Works or better shocks, upper A-arms or full set)
The DS is 60 lbs heavier than a Raptor, and feels like it. It feels strong, tough, and the extra weight is in the right places. It is longer, and wider. It is big. If you like BIG, you will love the DS.
.....WE, the DS guys, love our quads. My son has a Raptor. It feels like a toy, albeit a fast toy. The DS feels like a machine.
The rear shock is great, very few of us have replaced that.
The tranny is crisp and a delight to shift. Spacing is right on and if you miss a shift, it is your fault, not the Bomb's.
The Rotax engine is a work of art. You can rejet in 5 minutes compared to 1 to 3 hours for the Raptor. It has one carb. 4-valves and two cams. That makes a lot more sense than 2 carbs, one cam and 5 valves. How did Yamaha come up with that combo anyway?
The DS is tough as nails.
It feels SOOOO good.
It is not just another piece of sushi. It has a Euro-chic, exotic attraction like a Ducati cafe-racer or a Boxer Porsche.

 

Fourlix, Once again, you unite and enlighten the common ds hords with your excellent quad reviews and comparisons! You have to be one of the "Quintessential DS Aficionado's !"

Well said and well done!

 

The only problem that I have had with my DS is traction. From what I have experienced with my 2000 Ds and my friends 2002 Raptor. In a field my DS will spin its tires completly through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears.In a short drag race in a field I have problems. When I hopped on the Raptor I actually couldnt get it to spin the tires after tring a few times. It just wants to wheelie over. The raptor and the DS are two totally different feeling machines in every aspect. Handleing,Ergonomics,Power delivery. every thing

 

You cant know what we are talking about until you actually ride a DS and get to know it. Once you do get one you wont go back to another quad. They just dont feel the same.

 

Very good points to all. My brother has a Raptor and I have the DS so I have very good comparisons as well. The Raptor is one cool machine and is fast and has some very strong points. I look at the two though, like the DS is indeed, like stated before, as one of the finer things in life. Why drive a Corvette, when you can drive a Lamborghini for neer the same price? I am not trying to start anything with this but I am going to go out on a limb and say it anyway. We have almost identical mods to both quads and yes, fact is,I spank him in the drags. Bat is one that can vouch that i recommended the DS to him and now he is as happy as anyone with his DS. I say go for the DS, but if possible check one out for fit first.

 

BadBombardier650...Have you tried 22" rear tires? Like XCT's or Razrs?
I and many are running 23" in front and 22" in back. The DS is a big quad and needs the rubber to match. That 21"/20" Kenda set up they come with is crap. We even put 22" Razrs on the back of the Raptor, just for ground clearance, then flipped the linkage to keep it level. Smokin'!
......Buttfungus, thanks for the kind words. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]